LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S REPORT

Lt. Governor Loren Leman
Juneau, AK
May 27, 2004

EXTRA INNINGS FOR THE LEGISLATURE:
Earlier this week Governor Murkowski announced his intent to call the Legislature into special session to address a tobacco tax increase, changes to workers’ compensation and his POMV plan for managing Permanent Fund earnings. This session will likely be in mid to late June. The Legislature will support a tobacco tax increase, and success to revisions to the workers’ compensation system will depend on what changes are made. Key legislators, including some conservative Republicans in the House, have expressed concern about parts of the Governor’s proposal that passed the Senate during the regular session. POMV does not currently have sufficient support to pass as a constitutional amendment (14 votes are required in the Senate and 27 in the House).

MONGOLIAN FRIENDSHIP:
Today in my Anchorage office I welcomed a delegation of military and civil defense officials from Mongolia. They are here as part of an exchange with our National Guard. I am pleased that we have such a constructive relationship with these people who seek freedom and opportunity.

CHANGE OF COMMAND AT COAST GUARD:
I attended the change of command ceremony for Alaska’s 17th Coast Guard District in Juneau yesterday, as Admiral Jim Underwood relinquished command to Admiral James Olson. Admiral Underwood and his wife Kathie have many friends in Alaska, from his service in Cordova and Juneau, and we wish them the best as Jim heads to his next assignment in Washington, D.C. Admiral Olson gave outstanding comments on leadership upon assuming command. Welcome to Alaska, Jim and Patty Olson, and Semper Paratus!

IN THE HALLS OF POWER:
On Monday I joined a group of civic leaders and regulatory staff for a tour of Chugach Electric Association’s Beluga Power Plant and its transmission line to Anchorage and the Mat-Su. This gas plant produces a large part of the power for Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula, Matanuska Electric Association and even some for Fairbanks. Future gas supplies are a big concern, making recent lease sales in Cook Inlet as well as a pipeline from the North Slope very important to our future.

JOINING FORCES:
Later on Monday I spoke to the Alaska National Guard Joint Forces Commanders meeting in Talkeetna. This event brought together our State Army and Air Guard leaders to achieve better coordination among the services, and also included the participation of high-ranking military leaders from outside Alaska.

LITTLE BROTHER AND FRIENDS:
I enjoyed a final visit for this school year with my “Little Brother,” Aakash, from Juneau’s Harborview School yesterday. On Tuesday he and his class visited with me in my office. I talked to them about my job and read to them from Benny's Flag by Phyllis Krasilovsky, a beautiful story about Benny Benson, the designer of Alaska’s flag.

MEMORIAL DAY:
On Monday we observe Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. We are constantly reminded of the cost of freedom. Please remember what this day is about - coming together to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. In 1915 Moina Michael wrote:

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.

FAREWELL SAM JACKSON:
On Tuesday I joined several hundred friends and family when I spoke in Juneau at a memorial service for Sam Jackson, Jr., Alaska Native Brotherhood Grand Camp President and President/CEO of Kake Tribal Corporation. He was also a 19-year competitor in Southeast’s Gold Medal basketball tournaments and was loved and respected throughout Alaska. Sam Jackson died far too young, but in his brief 41 years accomplished more than many in a lifetime twice as long. He is missed.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tonight I will speak in Anchorage at the Village Charter School eighth grade graduation ceremony and tomorrow at the Gateway Rotary lunch. On Saturday I will be in Kodiak to speak at the American Legion Breakfast, and participate in the King Crab Festival and Parade, as well as Fishermen’s Memorial. On Monday I will be in Fairbanks for Memorial Day events. The next Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Task Force Meeting will be on Wednesday, June 2 at 9:00 am.